Atlanta Area Football Officials Association
FAQs About Becoming an Official with AAFOA
When and where does AAFOA meet?
AAFOA meets at 7:00 PM at The Lovett School each Monday night during the season. Address and directions to the school: The Lovett School 4075 Paces Ferry Road Atlanta, Ga. 30327
How do I get trained?
Training is accomplished by self-study and a combination of clinics and on-field participation in scrimmages and jamborees where you are observed and given feedback by senior officials. After your initial training you receive practical experience officiating sub-varsity and youth ball games, again under, and with the support of senior officials.
Where do I get equipment and what does it cost?
There are many sources of officiating equipment and you are free to buy from whom ever you like. However, the Georgia High School Association requires that the knickers be embroidered with the GHSA logo. Only Honig’s Whistle Stop is currently licensed to do that. Honig’s carries a full line of officiating gear, so you may want to consider them for the rest of your equipment as well. Starter packages typically run between $145.00 and $180.00, but once you’ve invested in a uniform and equipment you can expect them to last many years.
How much does it cost me to join?
Your annual dues your first year are $63.00 and include registration with the Georgia High School Association. Your dues also include a rules book, a casebook and an official’s mechanics manual. Returning officials pay $60.00 per year.
How do I get paid?
You get paid at the end of the season at our banquet. AAFOA collects all game fees and then issues each official a check along with an IRS Form 1099. All officials are paid the same for sub-varsity and youth ball games. For varsity games your payment is based upon your classification as determined by the Georgia High School Association (registered, approved or certified). This is done to encourage officials to meet the GHSA’s standards of excellence and professionalism.
What is my commitment to AAFOA?
During the season you are expected to attend meetings every Monday night in addition to AAFOA’s Field Day that is held on a Saturday morning, usually in August. You are also expected to officiate a sub-varsity game most Thursdays and youth-ball games on most Saturdays. In the spring and summer you will be asked to participate in pre-season scrimmages and jamborees.
How do I receive assignments?
AAFOA makes game assignments, at all levels, through an Internet-based service called TheArbiter.net. Therefore, it is required that you have Internet access, an email address and that you check both your email and TheArbiter.net several times per week during the season.
What kinds of games will I officiate in my first year?
Most of your on-field experience will be at sub-varsity and youth ball contests. These are excellent places to learn the game. Here you will put to use your rules knowledge and come to understand the “spirit of the rules” while developing your on-field demeanor and judgment. Additionally, you will probably be assigned to some varsity games as an electric clock operator (ECO) or as a member of the chain crew.
What if I already have experience?
AAFOA is always glad to welcome experienced officials to its ranks. Even though you have experience, we are still going to want to “look you over” at a couple of sub-varsity and/or youth ball games before we put you on the varsity field. If you haven’t officiated in Georgia before, we also need to make sure you understand and use the mechanics prescribed by the Georgia High School Association (GHSA).